Climate-Smart & Conservation Agriculture

are complementary approaches to farming that aim to make agricultural systems more productive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable in the face of climate change. Together, they address the urgent need to feed a growing population while protecting natural resources and reducing agriculture’s contribution to climate change.

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

Sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes

CSA promotes practices that improve crop and livestock yields without degrading land or water resources. This includes improved seed varieties, efficient irrigation, precision nutrient management, and diversified farming systems that enhance overall farm performance and farmer livelihoods.

Adapting and building resilience to climate change

CSA strengthens the ability of farming systems to withstand climate shocks such as droughts, floods, heat waves, and unpredictable rainfall. Adaptation strategies include crop diversification, drought- and heat-tolerant varieties, agroforestry, improved soil health, water harvesting, and climate-informed decision-making.

Reducing or removing greenhouse gas emissions where possible

CSA seeks to lower emissions from agriculture by promoting efficient fertilizer use, improved livestock management, reduced tillage, renewable energy on farms, and practices that increase carbon sequestration in soils and vegetation.

Conservation Agriculture (CA)

Minimal soil disturbance

This involves reduced or zero tillage to maintain soil structure, protect soil organisms, and reduce erosion. Minimal disturbance improves water infiltration, reduces soil compaction, and lowers fuel and labor costs.

Permanent soil cover

Crop residues, mulch, or cover crops are left on the soil surface to protect against erosion, suppress weeds, conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and enhance organic matter content.

Diverse crop rotations and associations

Rotating crops and integrating legumes, cover crops, or intercropping systems improves soil fertility, breaks pest and disease cycles, and increases overall system resilience.

Get in touch

Empowering one farmer at a time to transform many

Talk to US

Feel Freee to Reach out T o Us

+233 24 125 8465

info@nfrat.org